Man who walked naked along Pa. highway charged

READING, Pa.—A 38-year-old Reading man who walked naked along a highway after being thrown into the woods following a crash is charged with a variety of crimes.

Police say John Messerly was driving his employer's minivan April 4 when he climbed out the window and stood on the roof. He was thrown into the woods when the van crashed. Police say he then stripped naked and led officers on a chase. Police say Messerly had cocaine in his system.

In an interview with the Reading Eagle, Messerly denied climbing onto the roof. He said he was adjusting lumber that had come loose when he was thrown from the vehicle. He said he stripped naked to check himself for injuries.

Messerly is charged with risking a catastrophe, indecent exposure, resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated and other offenses.

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Information from: Reading Eagle, http://www.readingeagle.com/